Full Day Sarasota Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day charter targeting cobia, mackerel, and diverse gamefish speciesSix to eight hours exploring Sarasota Bay inshore watersAccommodates up to four guests with experienced local captain
When you step aboard with Fish Moore Charters for this epic 6 to 8-hour fishing adventure, you're signing up for one of Sarasota's top-rated inshore experiences. We'll cruise the productive waters of Sarasota Bay and beyond, hitting everything from shallow backcountry flats to deeper nearshore structure where the big fish hang out. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a full commitment to putting you on fish, with enough time to explore multiple spots and techniques until we find what's working. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and even though we're newer to the Fishing Booker platform, we've been putting smiles on anglers' faces for years with our local expertise and no-nonsense approach to fishing.
This full-day charter is all about variety and opportunity. We'll start early to make the most of prime feeding times, then adapt our game plan based on conditions, tides, and what the fish are telling us. Some days we'll work the grass flats with live bait for redfish and trout, other times we'll head to structure and bridges for cobia and mackerel. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is flexibility – if one spot isn't producing, we've got time to move and find the action. You'll fish from a well-equipped boat that handles Sarasota's waters beautifully, whether we're drifting over sandy bottom or anchored up on a productive wreck. The guest capacity is kept to just 4 anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of room to fish and personal attention from the captain. Don't worry about bringing lunch – we keep things simple so you can focus on fishing, though you're welcome to pack snacks and drinks to keep your energy up during this marathon fishing session.
We run the full playbook on these trips, switching between techniques based on what species we're targeting and where we find them. Live bait fishing is huge here – we'll often start by catching our own bait like pilchards, threadfins, or pinfish, then deploy them around structure where cobia and big mackerel cruise. For redfish on the flats, we might switch to cut bait or even throw some artificials when they're being finicky. Drift fishing works great for sea trout over grass beds, while bottom fishing near bridges and wrecks can produce sheepshead and whatever else is hanging around the structure. We carry a full arsenal of tackle suited for everything from finesse inshore work to handling bigger fish that might show up unexpectedly. The captain will teach you the nuances of each technique – like how to properly work a live bait near structure without getting hung up, or reading the subtle bites that sheepshead are famous for. All gear, tackle, and bait are included, so you just need to bring yourself and be ready to learn.
Sheepshead are some of the craftiest fish in these waters, and catching them is like playing chess with fins. These black-and-white striped beauties love hanging around any kind of structure – docks, bridges, oyster bars – where they can pick off barnacles and crabs with their human-like teeth. They're notorious bait thieves, so light bites and quick hooksets are the name of the game. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they school up for spawning, but we find them year-round. What makes sheepshead special is the challenge – they'll humble experienced anglers and reward patience with some of the best eating fish in the bay.
King Mackerel bring the speed and excitement that gets every angler's heart pumping. These silver bullets can hit 40+ mph and make blistering runs that'll test your drag system and your arms. We typically find them around nearshore structure, wrecks, and along the edges where baitfish congregate. Spring through fall is prime time, with the bigger "smoker kings" showing up when water temperatures are right. Live bait trolling and slow-trolling with dead bait both work well, and the key is staying ready because when a king hits, everything happens fast. They're perfect for anglers who want that big-game feel without heading way offshore.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of Sarasota Bay fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties are aggressive, fun to catch, and found throughout our grass flats and deeper channels. They hit both live and artificial baits with enthusiasm, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. The "gator trout" – those 20+ inch fish – are what we're really after, and Sarasota Bay produces them consistently. Best action typically comes during moving tides, early morning, and late afternoon. What's great about trout fishing is the variety of techniques that work: popping corks with live shrimp, soft plastics bounced along the bottom, or topwater plugs during low-light periods.
Redfish are the ultimate inshore game fish, combining power, beauty, and challenge in one copper-colored package. These drum family members can range from scrappy 18-inchers to bull reds that'll take you into your backing. Sarasota's shallow flats and mangrove shorelines are perfect redfish habitat, and we target them with everything from live crabs to cut bait to artificial lures. They're ambush predators that love structure and moving water, so knowing where to find them is half the battle. Year-round residents here, reds are especially active during cooler months and around new and full moon periods when tides are strongest.
Cobia are the wildcards that can turn any good day into a great one. These brown sharks look-alikes are curious, aggressive, and absolutely bulldogs when hooked. Sarasota waters see them primarily during their spring and fall migrations, with some residents hanging around year-round near structure. They're sight fishing at its finest – we'll spot them cruising just under
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the ultimate sight-fishing challenge - big, brown, and often mistaken for sharks cruising just under the surface. These solitary hunters typically run 20-50 pounds and can stretch 4-6 feet long. Spring migration from March through May brings the best shots as they follow rays and work structure in 30-70 feet of water. What makes them special is their curious nature - they'll actually swim up to the boat to investigate, giving you multiple shot opportunities. The fight is pure power with long runs and stubborn head shakes. Plus, they're top-shelf table fare with firm, white meat that's hard to beat. Summer finds them around reefs, wrecks, and markers where they ambush baitfish. Here's the trick: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig well ahead of its path and work it slowly - they can't resist that wounded baitfish presentation.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the speed demons of our Gulf waters, and they'll test every bit of your tackle when they hit. These silver bullets typically weigh 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds during peak season. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water around structure, drop-offs, and bait schools from spring through fall. What makes them special is that blistering first run - they'll peel drag like few fish can. The olive-backed, white-bellied fighters are pure adrenaline on the rod. We target them with live bait on wire leaders since their razor teeth will cut through mono instantly. Best action happens when water temps hit 70+ degrees. Here's the key: always use a stinger hook setup because kings love to bite the tail section of live bait first.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are sight-fishing gold around Sarasota's shallow flats and mangrove shorelines. These copper-colored bruisers average 18-27 inches but the bull reds can push 40+ inches and really test your drag. Look for them in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and dock lines where they're hunting crabs and baitfish. The iconic black spot near their tail makes them easy to identify, and watching one crush a topwater lure is pure magic. They fight hard with powerful runs and head shakes that'll wear you out. Fall and winter bring the best action when they school up in deeper channels. What makes them special is that aggressive attitude - they'll eat everything from live shrimp to big topwater plugs. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing, cast well ahead and let your bait drift into their path naturally.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are Sarasota Bay's bread-and-butter fish, and they're perfect for anglers wanting consistent action. These speckled beauties typically run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, with the occasional 5+ pounder to keep things interesting. You'll find them over grass flats in 2-8 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and channel edges. They bite best during moving tides, particularly at dawn and dusk. What guests love is their willingness to hit both live shrimp and artificial lures, plus they make excellent table fare with mild, flaky white meat. The cooler months bring the best action when they school up in deeper holes. My go-to technique is bouncing a jig head with soft plastic near bottom structure - the key is keeping it moving to trigger that strike response.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are some of the craftiest fish you'll encounter around Sarasota's docks and bridges. These gray-striped "convict fish" typically run 1-8 pounds but can surprise you with 20+ pounders. What makes them famous are their human-like teeth - perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs around any structure. You'll find them year-round hugging pilings, reefs, and jetties, especially during cooler months when they school up. They're notorious bait thieves with light nibbles, so keep your bait tight to the hook and set hard when you feel them. The reward is worth it - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. Pro tip: scrape some barnacles off nearby pilings to create a chum slick and draw them right to your bait.
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